Horizontal auger garden tilling apparatus and method of use

ABSTRACT

A horizontal auger garden tilling apparatus and method of use having an outer frame, an inner frame which pivots with the outer frame, and a rotating auger capable of tilling soil to depth which conventional tillers cannot begin to reach. The apparatus is moved and the method of use is performed via attachment with a tractor or other movable carriage which provides enough horizontal force to move the auger through the soil and provides auger rotational power. A trencher attachment prevents auger soil refilling and allows the apparatus and method of use to be utilized and performed in conjunction with trenching operations.

This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 14/203,215, filedMar. 10, 2014, entitled Horizontal Auger Garden Tilling Apparatus andMethod of Use. This application also claims priority of U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 61/777,763, filed Mar. 12, 2013, entitledHorizontal Auger Garden Tilling Apparatus and Method of Use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The art of the present invention relates to powered garden tillingapparatuses and methods of use in general and more particularly to apowered auger apparatus and method of use which is horizontally moveablethrough the soil and which allows deep tilling of compacted and hardenedsoils. The present art method of use allows a user to loosen soil in awide swath with a single pass to a depth which is well below the depthsof conventional horticulture, agriculture, or gardening equipment. Theapparatus and method of use is available for small or compact tractorsand for a powered carriage or walk behind apparatus and allows a methodof use which is easy, quick, and relatively effortless.

As most gardeners are aware, the soil in a garden generally requirestilling prior to planting every year. It is understood within theagricultural and horticultural arts that soils often exhibit hardcomplexes or compaction, often below a topsoil layer. Compaction due totraffic upon the soil may be found from the topmost surface of the soil.Hard complexes, often named “hardpan”, maybe found immediately under ashallow layer of topsoil. Within the agricultural and horticulturalarts, it is also well understood that tilling loosens the soil andallows for healthy root growth and desirable drainage. Manyhorticulturists utilize powered garden or rotary tillers in order totill and loosen the soil prior to planting. Unfortunately, conventionalgarden tillers utilize rotating heads having tines which have arotational axis substantially parallel with the surface plane of thesoil. The aforesaid conventional tillers cannot effectively penetratethe afore described hard complexes or compacted soil. The tines of theconventional rotary tillers dig into the garden soil until a compactionlayer or hardpan is reached and generally will not dig or till to afurther depth. Instead, conventional garden or rotary tillers often skimor bounce off of the subsurface compacted or hardpan layers withoutpenetration. This is especially true for soils having a high claycontent. The result is in an undisturbed or untilled subsurface layer.Unfortunately, an untilled subsurface layer limits the depth of plantroot growth and forces a root formation which is more “pancake” shapedrather than the desirable root “ball” shape. When plant roots arelimited in the depth of soil penetration, so is the plant health and thefruit or vegetable producing capacity of the plant.

The present art represents an apparatus and method of use which allows ahorticulturist or gardener to quickly and easily penetrate and till soilwhich is compacted or has a subsurface hardpan. That is, the present artapparatus and method allows garden or agricultural tilling to a depthwhich is much deeper than conventional powered rotary tillingapparatuses and provides a thorough lifting and mixing action of thesoil. The present art apparatus and method of use also allows a thoroughmixing of fertilizers, organic material, and/or mulch to a depth whichheretofore has been unavailable. Also, the present art apparatus andmethod of use may be utilized in shallow earth trenching operationsnecessary for burying wire, cable, tile, or pipe. The present art, dueto its compact footprint, is able to maker shorter turns and isespecially useful in shorter trenching operations where conventionaltrenchers are too long or cumbersome.

The present art apparatus relates to garden tilling devices and moreparticularly to an auger apparatus having a substantially continuousflighting which, as a method of use, is pulled or pushed substantiallylaterally through the soil, either manually, as a wheeled walk behindapparatus with a self propelled option, or with a tractor (preferably acompact tractor) utilizing the three point or other type of hitch and apower takeoff. The walk behind apparatus may further position the augerat an angle relative to the soil surface, whereby the rotating flightingserves to impart a forward force or self propel the apparatus.Conventional prior art powered auger systems are primarily utilized forpost holes and have not anticipated or suggested a design or embodimentcapable of movement through soil for tilling purposes. That is, priorart powered augers have not provided an apparatus or method of use tohold the auger substantially or reasonably perpendicular with the soilsurface while simultaneously applying a lateral, horizontal, or forwardforce which pulls or rips the auger through the soil. Control of suchlarge lateral auger forces in a safe and repeatable manner hasheretofore been unavailable.

Some prior art has shown non-flighted auger like tilling apparatusessuch as U.S. Pat. No. 4,621,697 issued to Webb on Nov. 11, 1986 and U.S.Pat. No. D244,682 issued to Miner on Jun. 14, 1977. Nevertheless, theapparatuses purposely do not have the substantially continuous flightingof the present art and could not be utilized with the same method of useas the present art since there is no disclosure to the aforesaidflighting necessary to remove the soil from the tilled trench. At best,the aforesaid simply scratch the surface of underlying compacted orhardpan layers. The strength and supports for the rotating shafts of theprior art are also nonexistent which would severely limit the amountlateral force placement and the depth of tilling. Further prior artearth auger systems having an at least partial continuous flighting aredirected to post hole digging and not lateral tilling forhorticulturalists. These include U.S. Pat. No. 7,210,543 B1 issued toSumner on May 1, 2007 and represents a traditional post hole digger,U.S. Pat. No. 7,357,399 B1 issued to Klotz on Apr. 15, 2008 andrepresents a stand for holding a conventional post hole digger, U.S.Pat. No. 5,507,354 issued to Harleman on Apr. 16, 1996 and represents apost hole digger for drilling through rock laden soils, U.S. Pat. No.5,090,486 issued to Jones on Feb. 25, 1992 and represents a boring augerhaving a covering housing and a hydraulic mechanism, US #2003/0205395 A1published by Edwards on Nov. 6, 2003 and represents an auger whichrotates left and right and allows greater flexibility in post holeplacement, U.S. Pat. No. 4,732,227 issued to Wolf on Mar. 22, 1988 andrepresents a twin auger apparatus which drills multiple holes for treeplanting, U.S. Pat. No. 3,351,141 issued to Fowler on Nov. 7, 1967 whichdiscloses a stabilizer for a post hole digger, U.S. Pat. No. 2,458,241issued to Beck on Jan. 4, 1949 and represents a hole boring auger forold side belt tractors, U.S. Pat. No. 6,889,779 B2 issued to Skarlupka,I V et al. on May 10, 2005 and discloses a receiver mounted post holedigger for ATV type vehicles, U.S. Pat. No. 6,056,065 issued to Campbellet al. on May 2, 2000 and represents a hand operated hydraulic motorizedhole digger which retracts, U.S. Pat. No. 5,396,967 issued to Stewart onMar. 14, 1995 with disclosure directed to a pivoting frame hole digger,U.S. Pat. No. 4,212,358 issued to Wisbrock on Jun. 15, 1980 andrepresents an auger which is pivotable in order to drill holes on anangle, U.S. Pat. No. 4,077,480 issued to Carlson et al. on Mar. 7, 1978and represents a pivoting frame hole digger which counterbalances thedrive motor and power source, and U.S. Pat. No. 3,976,147 issued toCunningham on Aug. 24, 1976 and represents a wheel mounted hole drillingauger in which the auger pivots on bearing brackets 40.

For a preferred embodiment, the present art apparatus comprises anauger, preferably having twin flights, a gear box held via a inner frameand having an output shaft coupled with said auger, and an input shaftfor said auger which is coupled with a rotating power source such as anengine or power take off from a tractor. The twin flighting minimizeswobble and vibration of the apparatus when entering the soil. That is,the stability of the apparatus is enhanced. Alternative augerembodiments may utilize a single flighting or more than two flights.Common to all embodiments is a frame or housing of sufficient strengthto withstand the lateral or horizontal forces placed upon the auger andcapable of retaining bearings in the inner frame with which the augershaft is mounted and may rotate. A portion of the frame or housing ofthe present art apparatus which retains the auger also uniquely andsafely pivots out of the soil should an obstruction such as a tree rootor rock be encountered. Without some type of safety relief, the presentart method of use could present the operator with a bent auger shaft orother disconnected drive components which when rotating could present adanger to the operator. The aforesaid present art elements representonly a few of the many reasons that the prior art cannot be utilizedwith the method of use of the present art.

Also unique to the present art is a trencher attachment which allows thehorizontal auger apparatus to perform trenching for below ground pipe,tile, and cable burying. The trencher attachment portion uniquelyprevents any soil extracted by the auger from reentering the locationfrom where it was removed, thereby allowing creation of a trench.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide ahorizontal auger garden tilling apparatus and method of use which allowsan operator to easily and quickly till a garden or other type of a soilto a depth which is substantially below a compaction or hardpan layer.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a horizontal augergarden tilling apparatus and method of use which may be utilized tocreate trenches for burying wire, cable, pipe, tile, buildingfoundations, or other materials.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a horizontalauger garden tilling apparatus and method of use which may be utilizedwith a walk behind type of carriage or attached with a tractor hitch andpower take off.

A yet further object of the present invention is to provide a horizontalauger garden tilling apparatus and method of use which safely pivots outof the soil should an obstruction such as a tree root or rock beencountered without disruption or failure of the power drive line shaftsor couplings or injury to the operator.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, the first or preferredembodiment represents a horizontal garden tilling apparatus which alsofunctions as a trencher. A preferred embodiment comprises an auger, apivoting inner frame, an outer frame into which the inner frame fits andis allowed to pivot, and a power drive in the form of a tractor powertake off or other rotating power source in conjunction with a movablecarriage. The preferred embodiment has a gear box and bearing mountstructure attached with the inner frame and the auger extends away fromand downward from the bearing mount structure. The extending auger whensupplied with rotational power, either via a tractor power take off orvia a rotational power source and a moveable carriage, is moved throughthe soil much as a milling cutter is utilized with a milling machine.The resultant tilling operation allows tilling and soil mixing to adepth heretofore unseen and also allows the apparatus to be utilized fortrenching operations.

One or more pivot shafts between the inner frame and outer frame allowthe inner frame to pivot upward if the auger encounters a solid objector other obstruction. Preferably the inner frame is held via a shearpin, a shear bolt, or other release mechanism. If sufficient force isplaced upon the auger where damage may occur to the apparatus or dangeris presented to the operator, the inner frame is released from the outerframe and is allowed to pivot out of the way of any obstruction creatingthe force. The pivot capability assures apparatus longevity and operatorsafety.

For trenching operations, a trencher attachment fits with the apparatusand stops the soil from refilling the trench as the auger is pulledthrough the soil. The trenching attachment utilizes one or more wings orears to direct the soil as the auger raises the soil to one or bothsides of the trench created by the auger. In conditions where the soilsurface is sloped or irregular, a floating attachment mechanism isutilized with the trencher attachment in order to allow the wings orears to move vertically and meet the soil surface.

The present art apparatus and method of use allows a user to easilylower the auger into the soil via tractor three point hitch lift arms ora lift mechanism of a movable carriage and with the locomotion providedby the tractor or movable carriage till the soil to a depth which ishighly beneficial for optimum root growth. The rotational power suppliedto the auger allows the auger to dig into the soil prior to supplyingthe locomotion. The locomotion provided allows the flights of the augerto engage the soil in the direction of locomotion and break up the soilfor refilling the trench created by the auger or for movement outside ofthe trench.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Numerous other objects, features, and advantages of the invention shouldnow become apparent upon a reading of the following detailed descriptiontaken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a right side perspective view of a first or preferredembodiment of the horizontal auger garden tilling apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a front plan view thereof.

FIG. 3 is right side plan view thereof.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view thereof.

FIG. 5 is a rear plan view thereof.

FIG. 6 is a right side perspective view thereof with the inner framepivoted slightly as would occur if the frame shear pin broke duringoperation.

FIG. 7 is a right side perspective view of a second embodiment of thehorizontal auger garden tilling apparatus showing the trencherattachment mounted therewith.

FIG. 8 is a right side perspective view of the trencher attachmentalone.

FIG. 9 is a top plan view thereof.

FIG. 10 is a front plan view thereof.

FIG. 11 is a right plan view thereof.

FIG. 12 is a rear right perspective view of a third embodiment of thehorizontal auger garden tilling apparatus showing the trencher floatingattachment mounted therewith.

FIG. 13 is a top rear left perspective view thereof.

FIG. 14 is a top plan view thereof.

FIG. 15 is aright perspective view thereof without the roller tube andassociated elements.

FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of the roller tube and associatedelements.

FIG. 17 is a rear perspective view of the roller tube and associatedelements.

FIG. 18 is a rear right perspective view of the third embodiment of thehorizontal auger garden tilling apparatus showing the trencher floatingattachment mounted therewith in a lifted position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In accordance with the present invention, the first or preferredembodiment horizontal auger garden tilling apparatus 10 comprises apivoting inner frame 16 onto which is mounted a gear box having anoutput shaft 30 coupled with an auger shaft 50. The auger shaft 50 isrotationally held via a bearing mount assembly 42 between the gear box28 and the flights 14 of the auger shaft 50. The bearing mount assembly42 is secured with the inner frame 16 and holds one or more bearingassemblies 46 which allow the auger shaft 50 to rotate but limits anymovement of the auger shaft 50 relative to the inner frame 16. Thebearing mount assembly 42 may take a plurality of forms which arecapable of holding the bearings 48 in a substantially fixed positionrelative to the inner frame 16. These include but are not limited topillow block bearings, mounted bearings, flangette bearings, flangedbearings, pressed bearings, and sleeved bearings. For the preferredembodiment, the bearings 48 are flanged bearings mounted via bolts witha box structure 44 to form the bearing mount assembly 42 which is weldedwith the inner frame 16. Alternative embodiments may limit or forego useof the bearing mount and rely solely on bearings within the gear box 28for auger shaft 50 support.

The gear box 28 has a power input shaft 34 and an output shaft 30 whichcouples with the auger shaft 50. For the preferred embodiment, the gearbox 28 represents a right angle speed or gear reducer which couples therotational torque from the power source at the input shaft 34 at asubstantially right angle to the output shaft 30 which is coupled withthe auger shaft 50. This arrangement allows the auger shaft 50 to remainsubstantially vertical or upright in the soil during operation. Angularspeed reduction is not required for the present embodiment as thetypical 540 RPM angular velocity of a power takeoff is adequate toperform the method of use for the present apparatus 10, thus making thegear reducer ratio approximately 1:1. Nevertheless, speed reduction maybe incorporated when the power source feeding the input shaft 34 willoperate at higher rotational velocities than desired for the auger 12,such as occurs with an engine or motor. Also, a speed increase will benecessary if the power source feeding the input shaft 34 is slower thandesired for the auger 12, such as with a hydraulic motor.

The inner frame 16 may take a plurality of forms provided the materialsand thicknesses thereof are sufficient to hold the aforesaid componentsand the rotational torque and lateral forces associated with the methodof using the present art. For a preferred embodiment, the inner framerepresents a substantially rectangular steel frame 22 having a left side18, right side 20, and a bottom side 56 at least partially formed fromsquare steel tubing 24 with a steel plate 26 overlaid upon which theaforesaid bearing mount assembly 42 and gear box 28 are mounted.Alternative embodiments may be manufactured from plurality of stock andin a plurality of forms.

The inner frame 16 also has one or more pivot shafts 54 protruding froma left 18 and right side 20 or which feed through said left 18 and rightside 20. The pivot shafts 54 pivotally mate with an outer frame 70,preferably through pivot holes 72 therein, which allows the apparatus 10to mount with a tractor or other moveable power source, especially athree point hitch found on most tractors. The pivotal mating with theouter frame 70 which is mounted with the moveable power source isessential for operator safety and equipment longevity when utilizedduring the present art method of use. That is, as the auger 12 islaterally moved through the soil during the present method of use, theauger 12 may encounter numerous solid objects or obstructions such asrocks, buried pipes, etc. which cannot be disintegrated or pulverizedwith the auger 12 and that require the auger 12 to be quickly moved fromand around the object for operator safety and equipment longevity. Thepivot action of the inner frame 16 relative to the outer frame 70 duringthe present method of use assures the operator that the auger 12 willride over the object. The inner frame 16 may also pivot to increase theground clearance of the auger 12 which allows a longer auger for deepertillage or trenching. This inner frame 16 may also be rotated on saidpivot shafts 54 by a linkage and/or actuator between the tractor drawbar and the three point hitch. Said actuator may take a plurality offorms including but not limited to hydraulic cylinders, electricalactuators, or mechanical actuators.

The outer frame 70 of the preferred embodiment comprises a form whichreadily attaches with a conventional three point hitch. That is, it haspins extending from a lower portion which mate with pivoting holeswithin the three point hitch lifting arms and a slot into which the toplink fits and is held via a pin through a hole in the top link and slot,all as found with conventional three point implements. Centrally, theouter frame 70 has a void 86 into which the inner frame 16 fits and isheld via the pivot shafts 54 with separation between the frames in orderto avoid user hand or finger pinching. Preferably, one or more bushingsor spacers are placed between the inner frame 16 and the outer frame 70in order to maintain said separation between the two and also avoidbinding. Alternative embodiments may attach with a motorized moveablecarriage in lieu of attachment with a tractor.

In furtherance of the aforesaid and for a preferred embodiment, a sheartab 74 and bolt 76 is provided near a location where a bottom side 56 ofthe inner frame 16 meets with a base 88 or bottom portion of the outerframe 70 during the non-pivoted and normal method of use. Alternativeembodiments may place said shear bolt at a plurality of locationsbetween the inner 16 and outer 70 frame. The shear tab 74 is preferablyan angle member 78 having a second leg 80 which is attached with thebase 88 of the outer frame 70 and a first leg 82 extending from the base88 with a shear pin hole 84 for a shear pin or bolt 76. For a preferredembodiment, a shear pin or bolt 76 is placed through the first leg 82shear pin hole 84 and into a shear pin receiving hole 58 withing thebottom of the inner frame 16. During operation with the present artmethod, should the auger 12 encounter a solid object or obstruction, theshear pin or bolt 76 will shear or break and allow the inner frame 16 topivot relative to the outer frame 70 which is mounted with the tractoror moveable power source. The pivot angle of the auger 12 allows anupward force upon the auger 12 due to the forward motion of theapparatus 10 and allows the auger 12 to move up and over theobstruction. This is especially important for three point hitchoperation as the lower or lifting arms of a three point hitch generallyfloat upward after adjusted to a lower position by the operator. Thisallows the lifting arms to move upwards as the auger 12 moves over anobstruction.

The shear tab 74 is preferably bolted to the inner frame 16 with twobolts although may be attached in a plurality of ways within alternativeembodiments. The distance between the shear tab and the inner frame 16is preferably adjustable fore and aft with the use of spacer washers.The washers are selected so as to hold the inner frame 16 secure withthe outer frame 70 when the bolts are tight thereby preventing movementbetween the inner 16 and outer frames 70 while in use. The aforesaidtightness also makes replacement of a failed frame shear bolt 76difficult. Thus, to replace the shear bolt, the two adjusting bolts 81are loosened enough to create a clearance between the frames. Thisclearance then allows insertion of the replacement shear pin or bolt 76.After the frame shear bolt 76 is in position, the two adjusting bolts 81are tightened to hold the inner 16 and outer frames secure.

Proper placement of the pivot shaft(s) 54 relative to the axis of thegear box 28 input shaft is essential for a proper method of use. Thatis, when the frame shear bolt 76 or pin shears or breaks, the inputshaft 34 axis cannot exceed more than approximately 45 degrees relativeto the power drive shaft 90 axis as the power drive shaft 90 istypically coupled with the input shaft 34 via a “U” joint 36 and theinput shaft 34 preferably has limited displacement (i.e. fore or aftmovement) for “U” joint 36 preservation and to prohibit separation orover compression of the inner and outer power takeoff drive shafts 90.Placement of the pivot shaft(s) 54 towards a top portion of the innerframe 16 allows minimal movement of the “U” joint 36 should the frameshear bolt 76 or pin shear or break. Also for the preferred embodiment,a motion limiter 40 having one or more limits or limiting tabs 40 placedupon the gear box 28 contact the outer frame 70 and limit angularmovement of the inner frame 16 to the aforesaid approximate 45 degrees.The motion limiter 40 may take a plurality of forms in alternativeembodiments provided inner frame 16 movement is limited as discussed.Also for a alternative embodiments, the pivot shaft(s) 54 may be placedat a plurality of locations of the inner frame 16 without departing fromthe scope and spirit of the present art apparatus 10.

As discussed, the input shaft 34 of the gear box 28 may be driven with aplurality of rotational power sources including but not limited to atractor power takeoff, a hydraulic motor, a conventional engine, or anelectric motor. Also with any of the aforesaid, a power drive shaft 90may be utilized or the aforesaid may be directly coupled with the inputshaft 34 of the gearbox 28 or the auger 12 directly. Although thepreferred embodiment substantially or at least partially centers theaxis of the auger 12 with the center axis of the tractor, carriage, orrotational power source, alternative embodiments may offset the centeraxis of the auger 12 for a plurality of reasons including but notlimited to auger 12 side torque control. Further alternative embodimentsmay utilize two or more augers 12 in a side-by-side or otherrelationship which are rotating in the same direction orcounterrotating.

For a preferred embodiment the “U” joint 36 is held with the input shaft34 via a shaft shear pin 38 which will shear or break if the apparatus10 rotationally binds. Preferably a snap ring placed onto grooves withinthe input shaft 34 and through slots within the “U” joint 36 holds the“U” joint in place should the shaft shear pin 38 break. The “U” joint 36may also be held via a left hand thread within the input shaft 34 intowhich a left hand bolt is threaded with a washer holding the “U” joint36. As understood within the art, the power drive shaft 90 may be safelyheld with the input shaft 34 via a plurality of accepted methodsincluding but not limited to slip clutches, splines, frictional fits,constant velocity joints, or torque limiting couplers.

An alternative embodiment has the flighting 14 on the auger 12 boltedvia tabs to the auger shaft 50 rather than the traditional welding. Thebolting allows for quicker and easier replacement of the auger 12flights 14 when necessary. The auger 12 preferably has twin flights 14at least near the bottom of the auger 12 where it enters the soil inorder to minimize the vibration and side torque when entering the soil,and further stabilize operation. The twin flighting 14 may extend fullytoward the bearing mount assembly 42 or simply a half or more turn andthen transition into a single flighting or may have a tapered orstraight outer envelope along the auger 12 length. The auger 12flighting 14 length on the auger shaft 50 may vary depending upon theapplication from a few inches to tens of feet. For alternativeembodiments, the auger 12 may also have a cone shaped pointed end or amore traditional flat end with or without flighting, all of which may beremovable or affixed. The flighting 14 may also have a plurality ofprofiles including but not limited to smooth, cupped, serrated, toothedor protruded portions, and have various diameters. The auger shaft 50may also have a plurality of profile cross sections including but notlimited to tubular, round, square, hexagonal, or other partial or fullpolygonal forms. A further alternative embodiment has the auger as abare shaft onto which a tube having flighting 14 fixed to the tube slipsover said auger shaft and is bolted via one or more holes through theauger tube and auger shaft.

For the preferred embodiment, the auger shaft 50 is coupled with theoutput shaft 30 of the gear box 28 via a conventional chain coupler orshaft coupler 32. That is, the output shaft 30 and the auger shaft 50both have a sprocket around which a double row chain with a master linkis placed and secured. As understood within the arts, the coupler allowsfor a slight misalignment between two shafts without degradation to thebearings 48 which hold each. Alternative embodiments may utilize aplurality of auger shaft 50 to gear box 28 output shaft 30 couplingsincluding but not limited to splines, rigid couplers, constant velocityjoints, or jaw couplers. A further alternative embodiment hollows thegear box 28 output shaft 30 and allows the auger shaft 50 to extendpartially into or fully through the gear box 28.

For the preferred embodiment, the auger shaft 50 is held vertically withthe assembly via a shaft collar 52 placed above one or more of thebearings 48 within the bearing mount assembly 42. Shaft collars arereadily understood within the arts and generally frictionally hold ontoa shaft via a setscrew impinging upon the shaft or compressing thecollar in the case of a split shaft collar. Alternative embodiments mayutilize a plurality of auger shaft 50 retention means, with or withoutsaid shaft collar 52, including but not limited to bushings, bosses,heads, pins, bolts, or quick release mechanisms for two piece augershafts 50.

In addition to the tilling function of the present art apparatus 10, atrenching operation may be performed with the addition of a trencherattachment 60. Without the trencher attachment 60, any soil removed bythe auger 12 substantially refills or backfills the void left behind andby the auger 12 as the auger 12 moves through the soil, much as a mixerfunctions with a raw cake batter. The trencher attachment 60substantially blocks any backfilling and diverts the loosened soil tothe sides of the auger 12 and the created trench and further prohibitsbackfilling.

The trencher attachment 60 attaches with the inner frame 16 or a portionthereof such as the bearing mount assembly 42. This allows the trencherattachment 60 to pivot with the auger 12 should an obstruction beencountered. For the preferred embodiment, the trencher attachment 60has two extending ears or wings 62 on each side which are cantedslightly rearward. Although shown as substantially flat, the extendingears or wings 62 may take a plurality of forms including but not limitedto rounded, “V” shaped, triangular, or other shapes which allow soil tobe directed away from the trench created by the auger 12 and may beadjustable in height, angle, and length or simply float notwithstandingthe auger 12 depth relative to the soil surface. Further alternativeembodiments may utilize a single ears or wing 62. A rear guard or shroudor trough 64 having a partial circular cross section is located behindthe direction of motion of the auger 12 and extends substantially thefull length of the auger flights 14. Alternative embodiments 64 may beshorter or longer than the auger 12 or auger flights 14. The partialcircular cross section substantially conforms to the outer diameter ofthe auger flights 14, preferably without touching the auger flights 14.The rear guard or shroud or trough 64 substantially prohibits soil frombackfilling the trench and forces the auger 12 to lift the soil to thesurface where the extending ears or wings 62 may clear the soil from thetrench as the apparatus 10 is moved through the soil. For the preferredembodiment, the trencher attachment 60 is held via trencher attachmentears 66 onto the bearing mount assembly 42 via bolts or screws. Theattachment ears 66 are connected or attached with trencher supports 67which hold the aforesaid extending ears or wings 62 and rear guard orshroud or trough 64 together as a single attachment. The trencherattachment 60 elements as afore described may be held together via aplurality of methods including but not limited to welding, brazing,integral forming, pins, or bolts. Alternative embodiments provideadjustment of the distance and/or angle between the auger flights 14 andthe rear guard or shroud or trough 64. Further alternative embodimentsmay utilize a plate or rolling disk placed substantially parallel to thetrench wall in order to counteract the torque effects of the auger 12 onthe tractor or movable carriage. Still further alternative embodimentsmay incorporate trailing wings which pull soil back into the trenchafter pipe, wire, or tile is laid within the created trench.

A still further alternative embodiment utilizes a floating attachment 92in conjunction with the aforesaid trencher attachment 60. For thisembodiment, the floating attachment 92 allows the ears or wings 62 tofloat upon the soil surface independent of the trencher attachment 60mounting position. This allows a clean sweep of loose soil from thesurface and reliable direction of soil away from the trench and allowthe trencher attachment 60 to operate at multiple depths therebyfollowing a drainage grade as necessary for proper tile drainage.

The floating attachment 92 mounts with the inner frame 16, the trencherattachment 60, or a portion thereof such as the trencher attachment ears66. This allows the floating attachment 92 to pivot with the auger 12should an obstruction be encountered. Preferably, the float attachment92 has three rails or tracks 94 that mount with two upper ears 96 andtwo lower ears 98 to the gear box and the bearing mount assembly 42respectively. The three tracks 94 combine to form a triangular supportthat resists fore and aft, side to side, and twisting forces. Asexpected, the tracks have a top portion 95, a bottom portion 97, and alengthwise opening through which the shanks of the rollers 100 may pass.Preferably, one or more motion limiters or stops are placed at each endof the tracks 94 to prevent the rollers 100 from extending beyond theend of the tracks 94.

Two or more casters or rollers 100 spaced apart lengthwise ride insideeach track 94 and are attached by their shanks 102 with a roller supportmember or tube 104. This roller support member with associated rollers100 is held substantially parallel and vertical with the trencherattachment and rides upon the rollers 100 which further rides freely upand down within the length of the tracks 94 while the tracks 94preferably remain fixed with the trencher attachment 60.

A left wing 63 is attached to the roller support member 104 and a rightwing 62 is attached to the roller support member 104 with a wing bracket110. This allows both wings 62 to float with the roller attachment 104.While both wings 62 direct loose soil away from the trench to bothsides, the left wing 63 is positioned and shaped to retain loosened soilnear the flights 14 in order to move the soil toward the right side ofthe flights 14. That is, the left wing 63 has an approximately “Z” crosssection with a leg of the “Z” covering or overlapping a portion of theauger 12. Loose soil on the right side is directed out and away from thetrench by the right wing 62 thereby leaving the left side of the trenchclear of soil. This allows an operator to work on the left side of thetrench without concern of spilling loose soil into the trench. The leftwing 62 may also be positioned and shaped to move the loosened soil tothe left side of the trench.

For this still further alternative embodiment, a wheel 106 is preferablyattached with the roller support member 104 utilizing a wheel bracket108. This allows the wheel 106 to roll on the soil surface and controlthe height of the floating attachment 92 and the wings 62 which areattached to the roller support member 104. The wheel 106 may also bevertically adjustable. Spring(s), weight(s), and actuator(s) includingelectric, hydraulic, or mechanical types, may be utilized to place adownward force on the floating attachment 92 or roller support member104. This allows the wheel 106 to be held firmly on the soil surface andprevents undesired lift of the wings 62 above the loosened soil.

The float attachment 92 may be pivotally mounted at the upper ears 96with shear bolts, spring loaded clamps, or other release mechanisms atthe lower ears 98 that allow the floating attachment 92 to swingrearward if a wing 62 encounters an overload that will occur whenencountering obstacles such as partially buried rocks, concrete, metalor other large debris.

The method of utilization of the present art apparatus 10 is unique. Theuser first assembles the apparatus 10 as previously described andattaches with a tractor three point hitch or another movable carriage.The user then attaches the input shaft 34 to a source of rotationalpower such as a three point power takeoff or other external orintegrated engine or motor. If the user desires to mix fertilizer,organic materials, or mulch with the soil, the user may simply spreadsuch onto the soil to be tilled. The user then lowers the rotating auger12 into the soil to a desired level. Once positioned, the user begins aforward movement of the tractor or carriage. As moved through the soil,the auger loosens and breaks up the soil to a depth heretofore notpossible with conventional rotary garden tilling devices and deeplymixes any surface fertilizers, organic materials, or mulch. Furthermore,the rotating auger 12 is capable of breaking up compacted and hardenedsoils which conventional rotary tillers simply skim off. As the auger 12is moved through the soil, it refills the area immediately behind withloose soil which is highly desirable for plant growth.

The method of utilization as a trencher follows the aforesaid procedurewith the exception that the trencher attachment 60 is connected with theapparatus 10. As the tractor or movable carriage moves forward, soilwithin the trench is directed towards the surface and the ears or wings62 move it onto both sides of the trench with the rear guard or shroudor trough 64 prohibiting refilling of the trench.

The present art apparatus 10 may be manufactured from a plurality ofmaterials including but not limited to metallic materials such as steelor aluminum, composites, and other materials capable of withstanding theforces presented during the use of the apparatus 10. In the preferredembodiment, the apparatus 10 is manufactured from a carbon steel. Theapparatus 10 may also be manufactured via machining, casting, piecewelding, or a plurality of generally accepted methods.

Although described for enablement purposes, the lengths, widths, andother dimensional attributes may depart significantly from thosespecified. The shape, size, location, component numbers and mountingmethods utilized for each of the components or constituent elements maytake a plurality of forms as recognized within the pertinent artswithout departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.The auger 12 is described as extending substantially perpendicularly tothe soil surface yet in alternative embodiments, the auger 12 may haveany angle relative to the soil surface.

Having described the invention in detail, those skilled in the art willappreciate that modifications may be made to the invention and itsmethod of use without departing from the spirit herein identified.Therefore, it is not intended that the scope of the invention be limitedto the specific embodiments illustrated and described. Rather, it isintended that the scope of this invention be determined by the appendedclaims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A horizontal auger tilling apparatus comprising:an inner frame having a left side, a right side, and a bottom side; andsaid inner frame pivotally mated and retained with an outer frame; and agear box mounted with said inner frame, said gear box having an inputshaft and an output shaft; and an auger having one or more flights andan auger shaft; and a bearing mount assembly mounted with said innerframe toward said bottom side relative to said gear box and having oneor more bearing assemblies; and said auger shaft rotationally held withsaid bearing assemblies and said bearing mount assembly and coupled withsaid output shaft of said gear box thereby limiting any movement of saidauger shaft relative to said inner frame; and said auger shaft and saidauger flights extending past said bottom side of said inner frame; andsaid input shaft of said gear box capable of receiving a rotationaltorque from a rotational power source and transferring said rotationaltorque to said output shaft and thereby said auger; and said outer framehaving a base having a shape capable of mounting with a movable carriageand said outer frame formed to allow a movement of said outer frame tomove said auger laterally through one or more soils and said rotationaltorque on said auger capable of loosening the one or more soils; andsaid inner frame retained with said outer frame in a fashion that shouldsaid auger encounter an obstruction said inner frame pivots relative tosaid outer frame and thereby said auger rides over the obstruction; andsaid inner frame is retained with said outer frame with one or morepivot shafts; and a release mechanism between said inner frame and saidouter frame holding said inner frame with said outer frame and allowingsaid release mechanism to release said inner frame from said outer frameshould said auger encounter the obstruction and allowing said innerframe to pivot relative to said outer frame.
 2. The horizontal augertilling apparatus as set forth in claim 1, further comprising: atrencher attachment attached with said inner frame via one or moretrencher attachment ears; and said trencher attachment having one ormore extending wings canted toward a rearward direction and shaped todivert the one or more soils to one or more sides of said auger; and arear guard or shroud attached with said trencher attachment and locatedbehind said auger and extending at least a portion of a length of saidauger flights and shaped to allow said auger to lift the one or moresoils toward said extending wings.
 3. The horizontal auger tillingapparatus as set forth in claim 1, further comprising: a floatingtrencher attachment having one or more tracks attached with said innerframe; and a roller support member having two or more rollers; and saidtwo or more rollers located within said one or more tracks andpositioned to allow said roller support member to ride freely in an upand down direction; and said floating trencher attachment having one ormore extending wings attached with said roller support member and cantedtoward a rearward direction and shaped to divert the one or more soilsto one or more sides of said auger; and a rear guard or shroud attachedwith said inner frame and located behind said auger and extending atleast a portion of a length of said auger flights and shaped to allowsaid auger to lift the one or more soils toward said extending wings. 4.The horizontal auger tilling apparatus as set forth in claim 3, said oneor more extending wings further comprising: a right wing attached withsaid roller support member and canted toward a rearward direction; and aleft wing attached with said roller support member and positioned andshaped to retain the one or more soils near said flights of said auger.5. The horizontal auger tilling apparatus as set forth in claim 3,further comprising: a gauge wheel attached with said roller supportmember at a position allowing said gauge wheel to roll upon a surface ofthe one or more soils and to control a height of said one or moreextending wings.
 6. The horizontal auger tilling apparatus as set forthin claim 4, further comprising: a gauge wheel attached with said rollersupport member at a position allowing said gauge wheel to roll upon asurface of the one or more soils and to control a height of said one ormore extending wings.
 7. The horizontal auger tilling apparatus as setforth in claim 1, whereby: said inner frame is retained with said outerframe with one or more pivot shafts extending from said inner frame andpivotally mated with one or more pivot holes within said outer frame;and said release mechanism comprising a shear tab having a first leg anda second leg; and said second leg attached with said outer frame; andsaid first leg having a shear pin hole positioned near a shear pinreceiving hole with said inner frame; and said release mechanism furthercomprising a shear pin or bolt through said shear pin hole and saidshear pin receiving hole thereby allowing said shear pin or bolt tobreak should said auger encounter the obstruction and allowing saidinner frame to pivot on said one or more pivot shafts.
 8. The horizontalauger tilling apparatus as set forth in claim 1, whereby: said movablecarriage comprises a tractor having a three point hitch; and said baseof said outer frame is formed to mate with one or more lifting arms ofthe three point hitch; and said outer frame formed to receive a top linkof the three point hitch; and said movement of said outer frame providedby the tractor; and said a rotational power source comprises a powerdrive shaft coupled with said input shaft and a power takeoff of thetractor.
 9. The horizontal auger tilling apparatus as set forth in claim7, whereby: said movable carriage comprises a tractor having a threepoint hitch; and said base of said outer frame is formed to mate withone or more lifting arms of the three point hitch; and said outer frameformed to receive a top link of the three point hitch; and said movementof said outer frame provided by the tractor; and said a rotational powersource comprises a power drive shaft coupled with said input shaft and apower takeoff of the tractor.
 10. The horizontal auger tilling apparatusas set forth in claim 7, further comprising: a motion limiter mountedwith said gear box or said inner frame and positioned to limit angularmovement of said inner frame relative to said outer frame should saidauger encounter the obstruction.
 11. A method of horizontally tillingsoil, the steps comprising: forming an inner frame with a left side, aright side, and a bottom side; and forming an outer frame; and pivotallymating and retaining said inner frame with said outer frame with one ormore pivot shafts extending between said inner frame and said outerframe; and further retaining said inner frame with said outer frame viaforming a release mechanism between said inner frame and said outerframe; and mounting a gear box with said inner frame, said gear boxhaving an input shaft and an output shaft; and forming an auger havingone or more flights and an auger shaft; and mounting a bearing mountassembly with said inner frame toward said bottom side relative to saidgear box and forming one or more bearing assemblies within said bearingmount; and placing and holding said auger shaft rotationally with saidbearing assemblies; and coupling said auger shaft with said output shaftof said gear box; and limiting any movement of said auger shaft relativeto said inner frame; and positioning said auger flights past said bottomside of said inner frame; and placing a rotational torque upon saidinput shaft of said gear box; and transferring said rotational torque tosaid output shaft and thereby rotating said auger; and lowering saidauger into one or more compacted soils to a desired level; and movingsaid outer frame with a forward movement and imparting said forwardmovement onto said auger; and loosening and breaking up the one or morecompacted soils with said rotating of said auger as said auger receivessaid forward movement; and refilling an area behind said auger with aloose soil; and allowing said release mechanism to release said innerframe from said outer frame from said further retaining of said innerframe with said outer frame should said auger encounter an obstruction.12. The method of horizontally tilling soil as set forth in claim 11,the steps further comprising: pivoting said inner frame relative to saidouter frame should said auger encounter an obstruction; and riding saidauger over the obstruction via said pivoting of said inner frame andsaid moving of said outer frame.
 13. A method of horizontally trenchingsoil, the steps comprising: forming an inner frame with a left side, aright side, and a bottom side; and forming an outer frame; and pivotallymating and retaining said inner frame with said outer frame with one ormore pivot shafts extending between said inner frame and said outerframe; and further retaining said inner frame with said outer frame viaforming a release mechanism between said inner frame and said outerframe; and mounting a gear box with said inner frame, said gear boxhaving an input shaft and an output shaft; and forming an auger havingone or more flights and an auger shaft; and mounting a bearing mountassembly with said inner frame toward said bottom side relative to saidgear box and forming one or more bearing assemblies within said bearingmount; and placing and holding said auger shaft rotationally with saidbearing assemblies; and coupling said auger shaft with said output shaftof said gear box; and limiting any movement of said auger shaft relativeto said inner frame; and positioning said auger flights past said bottomside of said inner frame; and forming a trencher attachment andattaching said trencher attachment with said inner frame; and formingone or more extending wings onto said trencher attachment; and cantingsaid extending wings toward a rearward direction; and shaping saidextending wings to divert one or more soils to one or more sides of saidauger; and attaching a rear guard or shroud with said trencherattachment behind said auger and extending said guard or shroud at leasta portion of a length of said auger flights; and shaping said rear guardor shroud to allow said auger to lift the one or more soils toward saidextending wings; and placing a rotational torque upon said input shaftof said gear box; and transferring said rotational torque to said outputshaft and thereby rotating said auger; and lowering said auger into theone or more soils to a desired level; and floating said extending wingsupon a surface of the one or more soils; and moving said outer framewith a forward movement and imparting said forward movement onto saidauger; and loosening and breaking up the one or more soils with saidrotating of said auger as said auger receives said forward movement; andmoving and diverting with said extending wings the one or more soilswhich were loosened and broken up to the sides of said auger; andprohibiting a refilling of an area behind said auger with a loose soil;and allowing said release mechanism to release said inner frame fromsaid outer frame from said further retaining of said inner frame withsaid outer frame should said auger encounter an obstruction.
 14. Themethod of horizontally tilling soil as set forth in claim 13, the stepsfurther comprising: pivoting said inner frame relative to said outerframe should said auger encounter the obstruction; and riding said augerover the obstruction via said pivoting of said inner frame and saidmoving of said outer frame.